Poor health outcomes for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Native
Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders are apparent when comparing their health indicators against the rest of the U.S. population.

The Disability and Health Program (DHP) is funded by a three-year grant from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The goals of the program are to include Floridians of all ages
with disabilities in all of the Department of Health's programs and activities for health promotion,
disease prevention, wellness, and disaster preparedness.

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Zika Fever is a mild febrile illness caused by a mosquito-borne virus. It has been identified in several countries in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Zika fever has also been reported in travelers returning to the U.S. and Florida. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Travel Advisory to impacted countries can be found here. Take protect yourself and your loved ones: Drain standing water, no matter how seemingly small, cover your skin with mosquito repellent or protective clothing and keep windows and doors covered with screens.

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CHILDREN'S MEDICAL SERVICES RULE HEARING TO BE HELD IN TALLAHASSEE

Tallahassee, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health will host a public hearing on the proposed clinical eligibility screening rule for the Children’s Medical Services (CMS) Managed Care Plan. The proposed rule, developed in partnership with the CMS regional medical directors, includes a two-part approach to clinical eligibility screening – a physician-based, auto-eligibility process using diagnostic codes for chronic and serious conditions and a parent-based survey to ensure that all financially eligible children with special health care needs are given the option to enroll in the CMS Plan.

CMS regional medical directors worked with the department to create a comprehensive diagnostic code list for the physician verification. At the rule hearing, the department will explain the analysis used to review the more than 1,000 diagnostic codes submitted in response to the initial draft and to create the revised list. The rule hearing is also an opportunity for the department to receive comments and questions on the proposed clinical eligibility screening tool. The department encourages all interested parties to provide feedback on the proposed rule and corresponding forms.

In partnership with the Agency for Health Care Administration, the department has ensured children with the most severe diagnoses are able to enroll in the CMS Plan during rulemaking. The department remains committed to serving Florida’s children with special health care needs.

Children awaiting clinical eligibility determinations are being served through another Managed Medical Assistance plan with the same level of service agreement as the CMS Plan, or other Medicaid programs. Children currently in the CMS Plan continue to receive the high-quality care and care coordination the CMS Plan provides.

WHAT:Public Hearing on Proposed Rule – CMS Screening Tool

WHEN: Dec. 8, 2015
9 a.m.

WHERE: 4042 Bald Cypress Way – Room 301
Tallahassee, Florida 32399

About the Florida Department of Health

The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.